Abstract
Layered silicate/glass fiber/epoxy hybrid composites were successfully prepared using a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. To study the effects of the fiber direction on the clay distribution in the hybrid composites, unidirectional glass fibers were placed in two directions: parallel and perpendicular to the resin flow direction. The intercalation behavior of the clay and the morphology of the composites were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The complementary use of XRD and TEM techniques revealed an intercalated clay structure in the composites. Dispersion of clay in the composites was also observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the observed clays were dispersed between both the bundles of glass fibers and within the interstices of the fiber filaments. The mechanical properties of the ternary composites were evaluated. The results indicated that introducing a small amount of organoclay to the glass fiber/epoxy composites enhanced their mechanical and thermal properties, confirming the synergistic effects of glass fibers and clays in the composites.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.